What are the responsibilities and job description for the Rural Development and Policy Analyst position at ASA Career Center (American Sociological Association)?
**Research Opportunities**
The Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Auburn University offers exciting research opportunities for a postdoctoral fellow/research associate. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct innovative social science research on various issues related to rural development and agricultural economics.
The role involves conducting survey research on rural and farm quality of life, farm and business management decision-making, and working with existing data sets on agriculture, forestry, and rural industries regarding the challenges and opportunities for rural Alabama.
This is a benefit-eligible, non-tenure track position that requires an earned Ph.D. in sociology, rural sociology, demography, agricultural economics, or a related field at the time employment begins and relevant experience using quantitative methods.
**Key Activities**
- Develop and implement survey research designs on rural and farm quality of life and farm and business management decision-making
- Analyze and interpret large datasets on agriculture, forestry, and rural industries
- Collaborate with faculty members on USDA funded research projects
- Present research findings at national conferences
**Requirements**
- Earned Ph.D. in sociology, rural sociology, demography, agricultural economics, or a related field at the time employment begins
- Relevant experience using quantitative methods
- Strong analytical and statistical skills
- Excellent command of quantitative software (e.g., STATA, R, Python)
